MOULTRIE —The third class of the Colquitt County Leadership Development Program participants graduated Monday evening.

The CCLDP program is for school district employees aspiring to fill leadership roles in the future and expand their current leadership skills. The year-long program began in January, 2024, and ended with a recognition event coupled with the unveiling of the new Educator Wall of Fame at Withers Auditorium.

Aaron Eubanks, assistant principal at Charlie A. Gray Junior High, said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the school district’s Leadership Development Program. I was exposed to a wide range of district-level operations that will give me a deeper understanding of the resources available to support students. I want to thank the leadership training and development facilitators and the Colquitt County Board of Education for prioritizing investing in the continuous development of dedicated Packer teachers and leaders.”

During the year, the participants heard from department leads and subject experts regarding school schedules, special programs, finance and communications. Also, student services, human resources, and the law of education. They also completed a human assessment tool that measured their natural abilities and how those natural skill sets contribute to their leadership abilities. For this purpose, the assessment was led by Dr. Dori Stiles, owner and consultant with Turning Points Coaching and Consulting.

“This program has been a great way to internally develop and grow those employees who will or are leading their school or a district department and to expand the understanding of how a school district operates,” said Angela Hobby, chief officer of district and employee relations.

New this year, participants also had to complete a shadowing experience of someone in a leadership role they were interested in aspiring to or wanted to learn more about. They presented their shadowing experience during the final session of the year.

The next group will soon begin in January, 2025.

The 2024 Colquitt County Leadership Development Program graduates are:

Thad Brown, assistant principal, Willie J. Williams Middle School

Jeb Cato, assistant principal, Doerun Elementary

Kimberly Cooper, assistant principal, Colquitt County High School

Aaron Eubanks, assistant principal, C.A. Gray Junior High School

Dr. Jessica Graves, student achievement director, Colquitt County School District

Pam Heidelberg, assistant principal, C.A. Gray Junior High School

Dr. O’tessa Pelham, assistant principal, Colquitt County High School

Brad Roberts, assistant principal, Okapilco Elementary

Alicia Sims, comptroller, Colquitt County School District

Ja’Net Smith, assistant principal, R.B. Wright Elementary

Megan Taylor, employee relations coordinator, Colquitt County School District